At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts and drive product development from concept to launch.
- Company: Fast-moving FMCG business with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, hybrid working, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company while working on exciting product ranges.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management and understanding of FMCG or retail sectors.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 € per year.
In Ringwood (Hybrid Working) Are you a commercially driven Product Manager / Account Manager with experience in FMCG, retail or consumer products? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a product-led, entrepreneurial business where you will have real ownership of key accounts and product ranges, working closely with design, sourcing and manufacturing partners to deliver successful products to market. Our client is a fast-moving business within the FMCG space, supplying globally recognised brands and major retailers. As part of an exciting phase of expansion, they are now looking to hire an additional Product Manager / Account Manager to join their team.
The Product Manager / Account Manager will take ownership of key customer accounts and associated product ranges, managing the full lifecycle from initial concept and product design through to launch, delivery and ongoing commercial growth. You will play a key part in shaping product ranges, driving new product development (NPD), and managing key customer accounts, giving you the chance to make a visible commercial impact within a collaborative and ambitious team.
PRODUCT MANAGER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:- Account Management & Customer Ownership: Act as the primary point of contact for key retail and brand customers, developing strong relationships and understanding their commercial and product requirements. Manage day-to-day communication with buyers and customer teams, ensuring projects, timelines and product launches run smoothly. Lead customer meetings and range reviews, presenting new product concepts, seasonal collections and commercial proposals. Identify opportunities to grow existing accounts through new product ideas, line extensions and range optimisation.
- Drive new product development (NPD) from concept through to production, working closely with internal design teams and overseas manufacturers. Translate customer briefs, market insights and trends into commercially viable product concepts and ranges. Collaborate with design teams to refine product aesthetics, packaging, functionality and specifications to ensure they meet both customer expectations and cost targets. Oversee product sampling, iterations and approvals, ensuring products meet quality, compliance and performance requirements.
- Range & Lifecycle Management: Take ownership of product ranges within your accounts, ensuring they remain competitive, commercially viable and aligned with market trends. Manage the critical path from concept to shelf, coordinating timelines across design, sourcing, production and logistics teams. Monitor product performance and customer feedback to inform future product development and range evolution.
- Commercial & Margin Management: Manage product costings, pricing structures, margins and forecasting to ensure profitable and sustainable growth. Work closely with sourcing and operations teams to balance product quality, design and cost efficiency. Analyse sales performance, commercial data and customer feedback to support account strategy and decision making.
- Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Coordinate with internal teams including design, sourcing, operations, logistics and account support to deliver projects successfully. Ensure product launches and replenishment programmes run smoothly, with clear communication across all stakeholders. Maintain visibility of project timelines, proactively managing risks and resolving challenges.
- Market & Trend Insight: Stay informed on retail trends, consumer behaviour and competitor activity within the FMCG and consumer product markets. Use market insights to contribute to new product ideas, design direction and account growth opportunities.
- Experience in Account Management within FMCG / RETAIL or consumer products
- Exposure to retail / general merchandise / gifting / packaging / consumer goods sectors
- Experience of managing varied product ranges, and fast-moving product cycles
- Strong commercial understanding including margin management, pricing and costings
- Experience working on new product development (NPD) or product lifecycle management (ideal but not essential)
- Confidence presenting to retail buyers / creative buyers and customer stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Experience working with design teams, sourcing teams or overseas manufacturers (highly desirable)
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the confidence to take ownership and drive results
- Salary up to £50,000, depending on experience
- Bonus scheme
- Full-time role based in Ringwood, with hybrid flexibility once established
- Opportunity to work within a friendly, collaborative and ambitious team
- A chance to join a growing product-led business with strong long-term progression opportunities
Product Designer / Account Manager - FMCG employer: Collaborate Recruitment
Join a dynamic and entrepreneurial team in Ringwood, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of key accounts and product ranges within a fast-paced FMCG environment. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, this company offers a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and hybrid working options, alongside significant opportunities for professional growth and development as part of their exciting expansion phase.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Designer / Account Manager - FMCG
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG space and let them know you're on the hunt for a Product Designer / Account Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in account management and product development clearly and confidently. Highlight specific examples of how you've driven results in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces from our community, so make sure to showcase your passion for the role and the FMCG industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Designer / Account Manager - FMCG
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Product Designer / Account Manager. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in account management and product development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven product success or managed key accounts in the past, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for joining our team!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:Since this role is all about driving commercial growth, make sure to include any relevant experience with margin management, pricing strategies, or sales performance analysis. We want to see how you can contribute to our bottom line!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collaborate Recruitment
✨Know Your FMCG Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in the FMCG sector. Understand what’s hot and what’s not, and be ready to discuss how these trends can influence product design and account management. This shows you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Account Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed key accounts in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will help demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships and manage customer expectations effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss NPD
Since this role involves new product development, come prepared with ideas or concepts that could fit within their product range. Show your creativity and understanding of the product lifecycle by discussing how you would take a product from concept to market.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You’ll likely need to present ideas to buyers and stakeholders, so practice your presentation skills. Use clear visuals and be concise. This will not only help you communicate your ideas effectively but also show your confidence in front of potential clients.
